FANS in the Northam Stand at St Mary's believe they are being victimised by the authorities over the ban on standing.

They spoke out last night ahead of tomorrow's home clash with Blackburn at a public meeting organised by Southampton Independent Supporters' Association at the Maple Leaff club.

Supporters outlined some of the problems the standing ban has caused and issued a call for clarity on the issue.

SISA campaign co-ordinator Richard Chorley said: "Hundreds of fans are concerned about this.

"Saints supporters are not thugs and want to know why we are being targeted when we are a lesser problem than other fans.

"Fans standing up and singing is part of the heritage of football. We must work together for safe standing."

The authorities have threatened fans with the closure of the entire Northam Stand if they persistently stand during matches.

So far this season there have been flare-ups at the Manchester City and Fulham home games with 13 ejections for standing and five arrests for standing associated disorder.

The vast majority of supporters have, however, responded to calls to remain seated, but do not understand why there is a crackdown now after standing was largely tolerated at The Dell and last season at St Mary's.

Cllr Perry McMillan warned that the problem was serious.

"We must all link up or sections will be closed and even the whole Northam Stand could be closed," he said.

Cllr Richard Williams, the city councillor responsible for the environment and transport, said that the situation was currently being assessed.

"There is a set of regulations and we have to be happy the club is enforcing them.

"There is a small number who are persistently standing and it is in contravention of the licensing law.

"There were significant issues at the Fulham and Manchester City games."

He added: "We are looking at the whole picture and we are monitoring and reviewing the situation on a match-by-match basis.

"We can't allow breaking of the law to go on without risk assessment and that is what we are doing now."

Chief superintendent Graham Wyeth defended the actions of the police and warned: "If it is dangerous I will say enough is enough and go before the safety group and we would then consider partial prohibition.

"There have been tragedies at football as a result of compromising safety.

"I am legally and morally responsible for the safe enforcement of the law and sitting is a legal requirement of entry into the ground.

"Stewards, police and fans have been injured this season and I regret that action had to be taken at the Manchester City and Fulham games.

"Last season we had 3,500 standing, now it is often less than 100 and at times we have had total compliance.

"Stewards do ask three times before ejecting people, but we have reports of intimidation and threats and when there is violence or threats of violence the police will step in."

SISA chairman Nick Illingsworth called for calm at tomorrow's game.

"We must not have a repeat of Manchester City and Fulham and we must find ways of moving forward together," he said.

Saints managing director Andrew Cowen stressed the club had limited powers on the issue.

He said: "The club doesn't make the law or enforce the law, we are subject to the law.

"We accept that people will stand up during moments of high excitement, but for the other times we ask people to obey the law."

But he also urged fans to join the club and The Daily Echo in an effort to persuade the government to have a proper debate on the issue.

"Use your power, but don't make yourselves martyrs," he told fans. "The debate should take place and we must all work to promote that debate.

"But do it from the perspective of being within the law."

Oliver Huston, from the national safe standing campaign, added: "Fans mustn't give up the fight for safe standing.

"The law is absolutely ridiculous and has no logic.

"They say you can stand at moments of excitement, but that is clearly the most dangerous moment.

"You are the 12th man on the pitch and as supporters be in no doubt that you do have economic and political power."

The issue of standing at St Mary's is due to be discussed in a full meeting of the city council next Wednesday.